How about the Simplicity Legacy XL?

Cecil · Feb 22, 2004

The 3/16 inch frame could very well account for the lighter weight. I'll have to stop by the dealer soon and see what he says about that. Havign 3/8 on the Kubota is a big difference -- anyone know what the JD2210 is?

I also notice that the axle load rating is only 1800 lb, compared to 2400 on the JD2210, I can't find a similar rating on the BX2230.

The unit I saw did in fact have a foldable ROPS, I assumed it was standard so didn't ask. But very few of the pictures show it.

The 3pt is a standard "limited" category 1 and looked to be of similar strength to the JD & Kubota.

Finally the power - I can't find anywhere where they say how many of those ponies actually get to the PTO, so either it is an inefficient system where they need 27 hp to actually get 18 to the PTO, or they are selling (or planning to sell) an implement that needs 22 or 23 hp at the PTO.

Or it could simply be marketing.

Cecil

Joe1 · Feb 22, 2004

Based on the specs alone and their comparison marketing (only comparing this model to their Garden Tractors), I don't believe it is a real competitor for JD, Kubota, NH or MF sub-compacts that are close in price or even better. Also, the front of the frame is "reinforced" which indicates that the FEL was too much for the tractor as manufactured. The other Sub-compacts seem to be (again, specs only) a better SUB-CUT for the money. Plus, first year models frequently have the final quality control and development done in the hands of the initial purchasers.

Joe

frank_f15 · Feb 22, 2004

( Do you really need 20 -25 hp to run a 48" deck just to cut grass? I feel it is the Tim the Toolman effect. )

agree 100% my sears 18hp gt is more than enough for cutting the lawn, and i do beleive anything over that is just hype,

Cecil · Mar 3, 2004

Kinda sorry to bring up an old thread, but I fianlly had a chance to stop by and take another look at the Legacy XL (not to be confused with the Legacy line).

First the frame -- it's standard channel steel and is thin, 3/16" just doesn't look like much when looking up from the ground.

Second the ROPS -- it's doesn't appear to be standard. The unit I looked at was sitting out front and has been used to plow snow all winter, but there is no ROPS. Now I'm a firm beliver that the person operating the vehicle is responsible for making sure it doesn't roll over, but since the courts don't seem to see it that way I'm surprised the insurance company will let the sell it without a ROPS.

On the plus side, the hydraulic control is right where it should be -- to the right of the steerinig wheel and standard on the tractor, and the hydrostatic controls are the way they should be, but with the light duty frame, I think they missed the mark.

Cecil

RobertN · Mar 4, 2004

I saw one today. It is a neat little machine, emphasis on little. As a Sub-compact, that is probably fine. It is interesting to have so much HP in that small and light of machine. As others have mentioned, it may be hard to get the power to the ground in a light machine.

beenthere · Jun 7, 2004

This revived thread interested me because I just heard that Simplicity was purchased (?) by Briggs & Stratton. I couldn't find anything in either company's news, so don't know if it is true. Anyone heard or know?

I won't comment on any of the earlier comments, except ...... (I said I wouldn't and then did anyway, but now deleted it).

Used price is a good clue to the quality inherent to any brand.

Woodbeef · Jun 7, 2004

( Used price is a good clue to the quality inherent to any brand. )

Hmmm......I have to disagree there. I'd say it is more of a percieved notion of quality that often drives the used prices. Quite often a tractor of superior quality but not as well known sells for less than the marketed to death brand......

BotaGuy · Jun 7, 2004

Yes, Simplicity has been purchased by Briggs. Both companies are Wisconsin based...it was in the paper recently.

yooperdave · Jun 7, 2004

This one is extra special...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50133&item=4135594527&rd=1

Yooper Dave

Rainbow6 · Jun 7, 2004

The ROPS comes as an option, I thought that was cheesy.
I just purchased a BX2230 today, ( 6-7-04 ) after looking at several including the Legacy XL. The Kubota just seemed to have more toughness and quality. Not that any of the others wouldn't do the job.